Heroin Abuse: A Thriving Problem in Pennsylvania

A 20 percent increase in the number of deaths due to drug overdoses in 2014 arises, according to a report published by the Pennsylvania Coroner’s Association.

Thus, heroin abuse has already reached the crucial level. Several reports say that approximately, 7 people in Pennsylvania die each day because of drug-related problems and overdoses in 2014.

The report also asserts that bigger number of reported deaths usually happens during weekends and Wednesdays compared to other days of the week, including the month of May. Furthermore, the entity that has worked on drug issues in collaboration with the state officials noted that there are 2, 489 people in the state who died because of overdose in both legal and illegal drugs in the past year. Predominantly, those victims ranged in age starting from 4 months up to 85 years.

“Heroin and opioid addiction affects individuals from all walks of life across Pennsylvania,” said Acting Secretary Ted Dallas.

Statistics also shows that Pennsylvania ranked third on heroin abuse; this type of drug is the most frequently indicated drug among treatment centers admissions. In addition, law officials and health experts affirms that there is an evident severity in the usage of heroin in the state. Along with this, as stated by the general’s office, there are 40,000 people who are known to be heroin users.

Most often, heroin consumption is being associated with fentanyl, which is known to be a type of pain killer. Hence, this combination had caused catastrophic overdoses in roughly 300 individuals.

As stated by Coroner Pam Gay, statistics play a very significant role in this growing issue. It helps to better understand the problem and to know what are the plans that is need to be taken to combat the growing problem.

Also, Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Gary Tennis expounds that identifying correct statistics are definitely crucial. It instructs us on where to put health facilities, laws, and corresponding resources. Having an accurate and good count is indeed a matter of life and death.